Benjamin Franklin's Milestones

Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States, inventor of the lightning rod and bifocals, diplomat, writer, printer, and a leading figure in the American Enlightenment.
1706

Birth

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts Bay, to Josiah Franklin and Abiah Folger.

Family January 17, 1706
1714

Early education

Attended Boston Latin School but left formal education at age 10 to work in his father's candle shop.

Education January 1, 1714 - January 1, 1716
1718

Apprenticeship with brother

Became an apprentice printer to his brother James, publisher of the New-England Courant.

Education January 1, 1718 - September 25, 1723
1722

First published article

Published his first articles under the pseudonym 'Silence Dogood' in the New-England Courant.

Achievement April 2, 1722
1723

Ran away to Philadelphia

Ran away from Boston to Philadelphia, seeking a new life and work as a printer.

Other September 25, 1723
1724

First trip to London

Traveled to London to work as a printer, gaining valuable experience before returning to Philadelphia.

Other November 5, 1724 - October 11, 1726
1727

Founded Junto club

Founded the Junto, a club for mutual improvement among young men.

Career January 1, 1727
1729

Founded Pennsylvania Gazette

Purchased and began publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette, making it one of the most prominent newspapers in the colonies.

Career October 2, 1729
1730

Married Deborah Read

Married Deborah Read, with whom he had two children and raised her son William.

Relationship September 1, 1730
1731

Founded Library Company

Founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first lending library in America.

Achievement July 1, 1731
1732

Published Poor Richard's Almanack

Published Poor Richard's Almanack, an annual publication famous for its wit and wisdom.

Achievement December 19, 1732 - January 1, 1758
1736

Founded Union Fire Company

Founded the Union Fire Company, one of America's first volunteer fire departments.

Achievement December 7, 1736
1742

Invented Franklin stove and bifocals

Invented the Franklin stove, bifocal glasses, and other practical devices.

Achievement January 1, 1742 - January 1, 1784
1743

Founded American Philosophical Society

Founded the American Philosophical Society, the first learned society in America.

Achievement January 1, 1743
1746

Electricity experiments

Conducted groundbreaking experiments with electricity, including the famous kite experiment, and coined terms like battery, conductor, and electrician.

Achievement January 1, 1746 - June 1, 1752
1751

Founded Pennsylvania Hospital

Co-founded Pennsylvania Hospital, the first hospital in the American colonies.

Achievement May 11, 1751

Served in Pennsylvania Assembly

Served as a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, influencing colonial policy.

Career October 1, 1751 - October 14, 1764
1754

Proposed Albany Plan of Union

Proposed the Albany Plan of Union, an early attempt to unify the colonies.

Achievement June 19, 1754 - July 10, 1754
1776

Helped draft Declaration of Independence

Served on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Achievement June 11, 1776 - July 4, 1776

Ambassador to France

Served as ambassador to France, securing crucial support for the American Revolution.

Career December 1, 1776 - May 1, 1785
1783

Signed Treaty of Paris

Signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolutionary War.

Achievement September 3, 1783
1785

President of Pennsylvania

Served as President (Governor) of Pennsylvania.

Career October 18, 1785 - November 5, 1788
1787

Attended Constitutional Convention

Participated in the Constitutional Convention and signed the U.S. Constitution.

Achievement May 25, 1787 - September 17, 1787
1789

Abolition advocacy

Became president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, petitioning Congress to end slavery.

Achievement February 3, 1789 - April 17, 1790
1790

Death

Benjamin Franklin died in Philadelphia, leaving a legacy as a Founding Father, inventor, and statesman.

Other April 17, 1790

Legacy and honors

Franklin's legacy endures in science, politics, and culture; his image appears on the U.S. $100 bill and numerous institutions bear his name.

Achievement April 18, 1790 - June 5, 2025